Raymond (Ray) Aga was born on March 24, 1932, in a little brown house just west of Sturgis SD to Lawrence and Lora (Branch) Aga. He was the fourth of six children, joining three older sisters Connie, Carolyn, and Joyce. His parents were so excited to have a boy that they planned a family trip to town and would be able to “show him off”. Once in town, they went to a few stores when someone said “where’s the baby”! They back tracked, but didn’t find him. They headed for home and found baby Ray, bundled up on the bed, waiting for his debut! Later, the family was complete with Eva and Marvin.

Ray grew up on Alkali and attended Middle Alkali Country School through the 8th grade. After that, he thought his time was better spent helping his dad on the ranch rather than going to school. Ray loved the ranch life, outdoors, and horses – especially horses. He played polo with the Alkali Polo Club, and played alongside his dad and his brother, Marvin. They traveled many places to compete including Pierre and Sheridan, WY. They were well known for their skills.

He married Annabel May on June 19th, 1955. Shortly after their marriage, Ray was drafted into the US Army. They spent a brief time in Maryland until Ray was sent to Germany. Upon his discharge, they made their home in Sturgis. Ray worked at the Ft Meade VA hospital for a few years and was then hired as an engineering equipment operator at the Black Hills National Cemetery. He worked there until his retirement. On the side, he was a partner with Bud Walgamuth in A&W Tree Service. They provided tree trimming and removal services in Sturgis and the surrounding area.

Ray and Annabel had three sons, Lars, Lynn, and LeRoy. They all enjoyed music, hunting and anything related to the outdoors.

Music was always a part of Ray’s life and his family’s lives. In his younger years, it is said that he and his sister Connie could harmonize beautifully together and he and his sister Eva could really dance together. His aunt had given him a guitar at a young age and that started a lifetime of music. He played in many bands over his lifetime, including the Homesteader’s with Wayne and Tillie Iverson, the H-C Trio with his sons Lars and Lynn, the Aga family band, and several bands and other groups. Ray shared his talents with so many people from dances to the Senior Center to special moments with his boys and his grandchildren.

Upon retirement, Ray and Annabel moved to the George May Ranch in 1985. Once again, Ray was doing what he loved – ranching, raising cattle, and riding horses. Over the years, he enjoyed team penning and traveled the area to many competitions winning several saddles and belt buckles.

Ray passed away Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the age of 93. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Annabel, his sisters Connie, Joyce, Carolyn and Eva and his brother Marvin. He is survived by his sons Lars (Becky) of Vermillion, Lynn (Karmen) of Sturgis, and LeRoy (Karla) of Lakewood CO; his grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Karel Aga and brother-in-law Ted Sigman, both of Sturgis.